A model of society in which people are forced to worship is completely contradictory to Islam. In fact, it is not the threat of Islam but it is the threat of bigotry that concerns people. If true Islamic moral values were lived in the countries in question, there would be painting, music, art, science, democracy and freedom of ideas and belief, and Christians and Jews as well as others would be enjoying their freedom in the truest sense of the word and living in peace and in safety.

Surely, one of the most debated topics of the day is how Muslims view Christians and Jews, the rights of religious minorites in Muslim-majority countries, and whether there can indeed be democracy, freedom of thought and freedom of worship in Muslim countries. The world is used to seeing people who claim to represent Islam as they preach hatred, promote violence and terrorism while implementing dictatorial regimes and rejecting democracy and civil liberties. But is this true Islam? Do these people faithfully express Islam as we know it from Scripture?

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Much of the time, people researching such matters turn to individuals or ideas as a point of reference, and these individuals or ideas are not at all reflective of the true nature of Islam itself. This is a major mistake; it is especially important to differentiate between bigotry supported by the classical rightist propaganda and the true teachings of Islam. In order to shed some light on the matter, it is imperative to understand the outlook of Islam toward democracy and freedom from its source: the Holy Qur’an.

As a Muslim, when I see any pressure put on Christians and Jews, especially in some countries where a majority of the society is Muslim, I feel intensely disturbed about this situation. I would be delighted when people live, trade, travel and pray at ease. And every true Muslim would share the same feelings with me. On the other hand, when the leftists are under pressure, it is equally something that makes true Muslims very uneasy. Thus it is my goal to ensure that everyone lives in peace and lives by their own beliefs sincerely, and to reveal that the persecution perpetrated in the name of Islam is not Islam itself but bigotry.

The rights of religious minorities, or the rights of others are generally an issue of legitimate concern in countries with Muslim-majority populations. However, this concern owes to the fact that true Islam is not being practiced in the countries of concern. Some people who are genuinely unaware of the morality of Islam, or obtain information from innacurate or dubious sources may end up harboring several prejudices and erroneous convictions on this subject. These people assume, for instance, that Islam will limit their lives or freedoms, or perhaps attempt to control their very thoughts or restrict the arts and sciences. The simple fact of the matter is, however, that Islam is a religion that ensures all manner of intellectual freedom as well as the freedom of worship and expression, that takes as a serious matter the rights of those people enjoined under its protection. Indeed, in a model where genuine Islamic morality prevails, Jews and Christians would be in the utmost peace and people from all walks of life, be they Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, or nonbelievers -regardless of faith, culture or ideology- would be living in comfort as first-class citizens and enjoying their equal rights.

According to Islam, it is not only those who believe in God, but even those who be classified as idolaters are granted asylum and protection, and it is the responsibility of Muslims to ensure that they are allowed to live undisturbed and in peace as well. According to the Qur’an, Muslims are responsible to protect people who worship idols, as these people go from one place to another, even at the expense of their own life. This is an important criteria that Muslims must not be obstacles but rather guarantors of people’s safety and freedom. And Muslims have a God-given responsibility to establish the comfort for all people, whether they are Christians, Jews, Sahabbeans, pagans or else.

Islam forbids not only physical pressure but also the slightest coercion and removes the basis of discrimination. Thus Islam -in its purest form- is not a threat to freedom but the guarantor of freedom. God says “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’an, 2:256) Even though some critical voices would bring forth various interpretations of this verse to oppose me, God’s statement in the Qur’an is quite explicit for a sincere Muslim and leaves no room for doubt. Imposition is incompatible with human honor and it is also prohibited in the Quran.

18 COMMENTS

Thank you for such an excellent posting. I have personally experienced life with both the Jewish and Muslim peoples, and can honestly say all peoples, regardless of Faith can live together, in harmony. The beauty and Harmony that True Islam promotes convinced even a hardened soldier such as myself to become a True believer. How wonderful life would be, if only the radical fringes would stop attempting to subjugate peoples that have little or no control over their circumstance. Evil elements must be confronted before such a country can exist. Turkye itself seems to come far closer than any other in the mid east. Those that claim to honor the Qur'an, and manipulate the Palestinian issue, need only to read the Book they claim to believe in. Hopefully, external pressure, such as that the Turkish-Islamic Union can exert, thru peaceful means, may allow us to realize true peace and harmony in our time. ihsa'Allah

first of all thank you because muslims need quality, science and art. world needs your ideas and the solutions you offer. we want a age just like rennasaince quality modernity and peace of course. thank you

Islam's divine source is the Qur'an, which is based on concepts of morality, love, compassion, humility, sacrifice, understanding and peace. A Muslim who lives by those precepts in its true sense will be most polite, careful of thought, modest, decent, noble, just, trustworthy and easy to get on with.

What a nice article, thank you for writing it. I agree with the ideal. The radical rightist bigotry should end with the correct point of view. A Muslim person is qualified, mercyful, cheerful, beautiful, clean and justiful. All the world should understand it.

masaAllah. Beautifully articulated comment Sister Amber. I can tell you that Muslims are the salt of the earth. The search for a lasting peace is real, and educating all sides is our mission. Allowing radicals to hijack, then twist the words of our Holy Qur'an, will be defeated thru education and speaking the Language of peace. May God Bless you. insha'Allah.

whether it is contradictory to Islam or not is absolutely irrelevant. If you look at facts on the ground in Islamic countries this is not the reality but wishful thinking. It might have been in the past but it is not any more. Face reality!

Thank you for your insightful comment. Before Islam, I have spent my adult life in battle against the 4 Radical groups. With brothers and sistesr on both sides of the Fences, it is fact that the Qur'an plainly states that the Jewish people belong in the Jewish state. That alone totally dissolves the argument Hamas is making. Time is not on their side. They continue to defy the will of Allah and the Holy Qur'an May yo have a blessed holiday season. insha'Allah

ok, so which islamic state in all of recorded history has been a "true islamic state" saudi arabia the utopia? the caliphate? seljuks? ottomans? andalusian spain? All were genocidal. The entire premise of this article is false. I wish it were true but its simply a dreamland that never existed and never will.

I see this quoted.
God says “There is no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’an, 2:256).

I saw no mention of these.

Quran (5:33) – "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement".

Quran (8:12) – "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them".

Quran (9:29) – "Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued."

Quran (61:9): "He it is who has sent His Messenger (Mohammed) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam) to make it victorious over all religions even though the infidels may resist."